Fredrikstad Animation Festival 2004 was held from November 5th to 14th, and celebrated its 10th anniversary. The anniversary festival was a celebration of Nordic and Baltic animation. We screened 69 short films and 10 feature films from the region, including retrospective programs of award winning directors, and a cavalcade of former grand prix winners. Official guests were: Priit Pärn, Jannik Hastrup, Per Åhlin, Stefan Fjeldmark and Thorbjørn Christoffersen.

The festival’s seminar for the animation industry was devoted to the Danish film Terkel in Trouble, directed by Stefan Fjelmark, Thorbjørn Christoffersen and Kresten Vestbjerg Andersen, who received the festival’s Innova Award for the film.

Two of the directors talked about their experiences with the invention of a 3D technique that reduced production costs.

Head of Swedish Film Industry’s animation department, Peter Gustafsson, held a seminar on the opportunities that 3D technology provides.

For children

A separate Nordic and Baltic film programme was – in cooperation with tour organization Delta K – offered to 9,000 pupils from Fredrikstad and the surrounding region.

At an animation workshop over two afternoons, run by E6 – Østfold Media Workshop, the pupils had the opportunity to learn about the art of animation.

A “click a game” gave young people an idea of ​​how interactivity works, with opportunities to both to play a game on the big screen, and create their own games.

A computer game competition hooked up on the big screen attracted lots of children.

Film and Jazz

A cocktail of live jazz music and animated jazz movies were offered to an audience of jazz lovers. Fredrikstad Storband played live to Birdland no.1 by Jannik Hastrup in Byhallen at the cinema. An collection of musical shorts – Music for the eye – and live jazz could be purchased on one ticket. Jazz concerts were listed by: Olga Konkova Trio Speak Low and Bilington Trio.